Luciano Spalletti reflected on a positive opening friendly in Turkey after his side overcame Antalyaspor 3-2.
Giacomo Raspadori and Matteo Politano netted the goals as the Azzurri picked up from where they left off in Serie A.
“It was a decent runout," the coach began. "We were up against a very good team with a coach who I'm sure will make a name for himself in the year to come.
“It wasn't easy to play our football and the pitch didn't help. We're missing a few players at the back and we decided to try out different formations during the match.
“Despite the difficulties, we moved the ball around well at a good speed and made the sort of runs that we did so well in the first part of the season.
“The lads kept pushing and trying to impose our game. We know what this team is capable of but there are other things we're yet to see. We need to keep going with our preparations.
“We're doing all the things we have to do so that we can hit the ground running again when the season recommences. Here in Turkey we have everything we need in terms of comfort and organisation so that we can train properly.
“As for Raspadori, we wanted to try him out in the hole and he did really well. Jack has great stamina, he knows how to play in midfield and he has the pace of a striker. We know all about his ability and tonight he displayed his tactical acumen too. When a player is willing to put his skills at the service of the team, anything is possible.
“In the second half I brought on the Primavera kids as they deserved an opportunity. They have lots of potential and we're pleased they got to show it.”
